The quantum model of T cell activation 

---

Presentation Time: 03:15 PM - 04:30 PM
Poster Board Number: B704
Abstract ID: 4900

Presenting Author:
Masoud Manjili , Professor at Massey Comp. Cancer Ctr., Virginia Commonwealth Univ., Virginia Commonwealth Univ. Sch. of Med.

Abstract:

Our current understanding of the immune response remains incomplete, as traditional theoretical models, including the self-nonself (SNS) model and its evolutionary derivatives, along with the danger model, prove insufficient in explaining immune responses to self or innocuous antigens. These models were developed under the presumption that T cells remain tolerant unless triggered by nonself elements, pathogens, damage, disintegration or discontinuity, overlooking the evidence of T cell activation in innocuous conditions. Here, I propose the quantum model of T cell activation, in which the transfer of quantum energy through catch-slip pulses within the pMHC-TcR interface, referred to as "signal I", assumes a central role. When a quorum of CDR3 sequence within the TcRs on a T cell, specific for a given pMHC, is achieved, T cell activation occurs in the absence of co-stimulation. Co-stimulation becomes imperative only when the abundance of pMHC-TcR complex falls short of the quorum energy transfer threshold. Consequently, the quantum nature of the energy transfer, rather than signal I or II, emerges as the paramount factor influencing T cell activation.